Dream Theater Comments On Departure Of 25 Year Drummer Mike Portnoy

As was previously announced, Mike Portnoy has decided to leave Dream Theater after 25 years with the band. Dream Theater has now issued the following statement regarding Portnoy's departure:

"To all of our loyal fans and friends: It is with profound sadness -- regret -- we announce that Mike Portnoy, our lifelong drummer and friend, has decided to leave Dream Theater. Mike's stature in the band has meant the world to all of us professionally, musically, and personally over the years. There is no dispute: Mike has been a major force within this band.

"While it is true that Mike is choosing to pursue other ventures and challenges, we can assure youthat Dream Theater will continue to move forward with the same intensity -- and in the same musical tradition -- that you have all helped make so successful, and which is truly gratifying to us. Fans and friends: File this episode under 'Black Clouds and Silver Linings.' As planned, we begin recording our newest album in January 2010, and we'll follow that with a full-on world tour. 'The Spirit Carries On.'

"All of us in Dream Theater wholeheartedly wish Mike the best on his musical journey. We have had a long and meaningful career together. It is our true hope that he finds all he is looking for, and that he achieves the happiness he deserves. He will be missed."

When Peter Gabriel decided to leave Genesis in 1975, the fans thought it was the end of the world then too. Obviously the band lasted a few years more than that. Little did anyone know that the departure of Steve Hackett would be the thing that radically changed that band's sound forever.

Bands like King Crimson have had more lineups than songs over the last 40+ years. Metallica survived the death of Cliff Burton when it looked like they wouldn't.

There are plenty of drummers who can play the parts, but it is in the production and song writing capacity where I think MP will be missed the most. He was a band leader in many ways and leadership is the hardest thing to replace.

I wouldn't blame A7X. For MP's part, he's played down his role so much that you wouldn't know he was touring with them or did much of anything on the recording unless you were a fan. At the same time, his influence is all over that piece of work.

Keeping an open mind on DT and looking forward to new material while keeping an eye on where MP ends up.

Maybe he'll be the force that finally get's Enchant back into the studio? One can dream.

Their isn`t many who can replace MP .Dream Theater is a great band ,but MP was a great piece of the band as well as a great personality .Can someone like him be truely replace ? probably not ,But I am sure as great as DT is they will figure something out .

MP made a terrible mistake that he has yet to realize...and Sillers, quit trolling, you know as well as we do that DT wouldn't give you the time or day when they've got hundreds or professionals to pick from.

From what I read of Mike Portnoy's comment it sounds like this has been a long time coming. While he is currently touring with Avenged Sevenfold, he has only talked about doing side projects and not committing anywhere longterm. Whether you like them or not, until mike joins avenged as a perma drummer, you can't really blame avenged sevenfold for this...

there are plenty of great drummers, what made MP special was that he was the original. DT will find get an awesome drummer, i mean look at their keys player, and I look forward to seeing them next time around. I think MP has some soul searching to do, and the other guys should move forward.

He has only talked about side projs, granted. But in an interview in Revolver MP showed off his deathbat tattoo, and said that he truly feels he is part of the Avenged Sevenfold Family. I've been a DT fan all my life, and an A7X fan since their beginning, so im honestly conflicted on this. One side of me is eagerly anticipating A7X with MP writing his own material. On the other hand, DT won't be the same, they will endure, but it won't be the same

Well my guess would have to be Gavin Harrison! he has already replaced him in other projects and dethroned Mike of his Modern Drummer "Dummer of the Year Award." Don't get me wrong Mike is a machine, but Gavin has a little more natural feel to his grooves.

Suffice to say I'm heartbroken with this news, and one hopes that DT, in their enthusiasm to go on, doesnt get a speed/thrash metal drummer, which would land up being a permanent jump to their suppposedly new found heavier/straight out sound and an even further deviation from their, I daresay, melodic roots. A big disappointment to their fans, including me, if that happens.

DT will continue on and not Disappear as one IDIOT just posted on here.... You obviously are an immature person who knows sh** about real Music and Metal. Portnoy is doing what he feels best to do for HIMSELF...... All the best of luck to you MP!!!!!

Danny Carey could do it when tool isnt touring so pretty much the rest of hes life lol but he would never leave tool the only thing you would have to worry about tool is one of them dying off then it would be the end but Danny Carey would never leave tool...

I hope that Petrucci, Myung, Labrie, and Rudess considered to Mike Manginni or Aquiles Priester ex-Angra drummer just for a while, until Mike Portnoy comes back. I know, as a drummer, experimented drummers can play the songs from Dream Theater, its not a big deal. But, the creative process its different, so I say those name Manginni and Aquiles Priester, judging at his chops and creative way to play.

Dream Theater has been my favorite band since 92 when i first heard Images and Words. in my opinion they have not written ANYTHING GOOD since Scenes from a Memory with the exception of Octivarium. I think Mike was the reason. in a way i am saddened by his departure but at the same time I am excited that now they can be the band the rest of them want to be and we will like better than what they are now. there are plenty drummers that can replace him. He was amazing but NOT irreplaceable...

Martin Lopez could potentially fill Mike's shoes, George Kollias, yuuuh, ummm, Chris Adler has a similar style and sound, so maybe, but I will personally murder DT members if he leaves LoG. Flo Mounier? POssibly? But then nothing would be left of Cryptopsy...decisions, decisions...They will proabably get a drummer no one knows and he will absorb the powers and skills that come with being a member of DT.

wow i totally am blown away, avenged sevenfold, jeeze, they suck,.. maybe mike will school their a$$ in what real music is not the whiney a$$ weak crap they dribble out. DT will stay just as strong !! until mr. portnoy realizes the errs of his desicion

@ DM725You cannot judge someone because of his interests. If he wants to join A7X, the fact that you don't have respect for him is immature. All good things have an ending, and you have to live with that, or you'll be stuck in the past.

And as it was mentioned, don't blame A7X, it's MP's choice to join or not.

And also I saw that some people said that A7X do crap and so on. Well, try to do better than them, then show it to me. We'll see if you're right.

Thomas Lang was the first drummer that came to be head when i heard this sad news. I think he can play all MP stuff with his eyes closed and i would like to see how creative he can be on the new album. I guess we have to wait and see what will happen.

As for MP, i think its a big selfish on his behave to ask the band to wait for him when he has several side projects at the same time.

It took 25 years for someone to get bored of workign together - not bad. They will probably reunite in the not too distant future. It was not A7X that caused it but rather ALL of Mike's projects. I don't blame him for leaving nor the band for moving forward. There is no one that will replace him but plenty of other drummers with similar technical skill. DT won't be the same, just like A7X is not the same without the Rev. But, both will be awesome!

By the way, Tommy Lee and Lars Ulrich are awesome drummers and drove their bands and I love them both but comparing those great drummers to someone like Portnoy is not even fair. They would never know what to do in bands like Dream Theater or Avenged - not even close. Different styles completely.

Music at this level is a business. A huge money making and money spending business. If Mike has an exit clause in his employment, he exercised that right.

The business of a backup/replacement will become a front line concern until a suitable replacement is located. It may be a temporary position until the tour is completed. As more people become aware of this issue, the position may fill itself.

As a co-owner in a functioning band, we have available talent to fit every position in the wings, ready to step in and make the gig. And we are small time.....

DT will be up and on their feet soon. I look forward to seeing and hearing the next member of this amazing group.

All this Mike is irreplaceable...................it would be different, true..............but irreplaceable..............A few I think would/could be good for the job..........Aquiles Priester (amazing), Simon Phillips, Deen Castronovo, Bobby Rock, Thomas Lang, Virgil (last two a little over the top maybe)

I think one direction no one has thought of is ex-Dixie Dreg, ex-Winger drummer Rod Morganstein. Dixie Dregs is known to be an influence on DT, and Rod has played with Jordan Rudess in RMP and the Dregs, and with John Myung in Platypus and the Jelly Jam. He's a percussion professor at Berklee and still tours with Winger, but he's old (57) although only 3 years older than Jordan.